Halloween Safety Tips

In two days you will be sending your children out trick or treating, handing out candy or attending your own adult social functions. Each year we remind our readers on the importance of communication and using common sense on Halloween by providing tips and tricks to help keep everyone safe.

20 Halloween Safety Tips

1. Costumes should be flame resistant. Avoid costumes with excessive flowing fabric, such as capes or wide sleeves, because loose clothing can easily brush up against a jack-o-lantern candle or other open flame, causing your child’s costume to catch on fire.
   
2. Costumes should be easily seen. Use reflective tape or stickers on the front and back so they catch the eye of drivers.
   
3. Give your children flashlights to use. They are fun for the kids and highly visible.
   
4. Walk on the sidewalk or in the grass. NOT in the street. If you must walk in the street, always stay on the left . . .  facing oncoming traffic.
   
5. Remind kids to use crosswalks or intersections when crossing the street, never between parked cars.
   
6. Remind your kids not to accept rides from strangers and no shortcuts through backyards, alleys, parks or going into people's homes.
   
7. Only approach well-lit homes and remain on the porch within street view.
   
   
8. Inspect the candy. Don't eat anything that may look like it has been tampered with. Make sure your kids don't eat anything until you have inspected it, first.
   
9. Don't eat homemade treats.
   
10. Check the sex-offender registry for the neighborhoods your kids will be in.
    
11. Map out routes and follow them. 
    
12. Make sure your kids are with a friend or in a group - don't go out alone.
    
13. Did your child bring home too much candy? Offer to "buy back" candy in exchange for toys.
    
14. If you are handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, clear off your sidewalk and porch so no one trips and falls.
    
15. Keep your pets away from the kids.
    
16. Dry ice is a great special effect, but can be dangerous if ingested. Don't use where children can reach it.
    
17. Use battery-powered jack-o-lanterns instead of lighting candles.
    
18. If you are attending your own social events, try to stay out of neighborhoods where you know kids will be walking. If you drive through one, slow down 5 mph under the posted speed limit and keep alert.
    
19. Test your makeup before that night just to see how it will react on your skin. Stay away from those "spooky" contact lenses unless you've seen an eye care specialist.
     
20. Be careful. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, the chances of a child being hit by a car is about 4 times higher on Halloween night than any other night of the year . . . and you don't want to be that driver.

Golf Classic Fundraiser Tremendous Success for local Crime Stoppers

The Crime Stoppers Bill Grigsby 18th Annual Memorial Golf Classic was held Monday, August 20th at the Lakewood Oaks Golf Club in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Todd Harrison, second vice president of the not-for-profit organization and Operation's Manager at Atronic Alarms, Inc. in Lenexa, said that it was a tremendous success.

"We had organizations and individuals in the area sponsoring 33 participating teams, and it turned out to be a beautiful day," Harrison said. "This golf tournament is the single largest fundraiser for the Kansas City Crime Stopper's program raising over $50,000 for the 'Tips Hotline.'  To date we have given out around 1.2 million dollars."

The Kansas City Crime Stoppers is celebrating their 30th anniversary and Harrison has been on the board of the Kansas City chapter for seven years. He says has been fortunate to be involved with an organization that has such a positive impact on the community.

"We have been the sole instigator for over 10,000 Kansas City arrests due to the anonymous tips from residents . . . which is quite an impact," Harrison said. "We have also added to our program by giving texting and emailing options which appeals to all ages. Since we have implementing these new modes of communication our tips have shown a tremendous increase."

The phone number to call in an anonymous tip is 816-474-TIPS, or you may text TIP452 plus your message to CRIMES, which is 274637. You may also go to their website and submit a tip through an email form at kccrimestoppers.com.

Atronic Alarms was one of the organizations that sponsored the event and participated in the 4-man scramble. Their team consisted of Harrison; Perry Atha, president; Neil Atha, vice president and Detective Kevin Boehm, the Crime Stoppers coordinator.

Harrison said that each sponsorship give you slots for three players and then the 4th is a law enforcement officer of your choice. If you don't know someone in law enforcement then the organization will assign one to your team. All law enforcement is represented, from Police to FBI to Secret Service in every municipality.

"It is a lot of work, but with dozens of committee members and volunteers it really makes my job easier," said Harrison of the event.

PHOTOJOURNAL OF EVENT
Photos by Rick Zink, System Design Consultant for Atronic Alarms, Inc.

The Atronic Alarms' 4-man scramble team consisted of
Neil Atha, Todd Harrison, Kevin Boehm and Perry Atha. Shown
in the middle is KMBC Channel 9's Evening Anchor, Lara Moritz.

Todd Harrison, second vice president of Crime Stoppers,
presents the winners their trophies during the awards ceremony.

This year's highest bidder of a Len Dawson's autographed football was
David Burlew who donated $600 during the live auction.
Burlew stands with Dawson (right),who has been inducted into two
halls of fame; the Football Hall of Fame and the Broadcaster's Hall of Fame.

Perry Atha, president of Atronic Alarms and his son,
Neil Atha, vice president, made up half the Atronic team.

Crime Stopper's president Dave Lamaster (left) gives a 'thumbs up' for
Lara Moritz and her fundraising efforts with Todd Harrison (right).

The Crime Stopper's Bill Grigsby Golf Classic is the largest
fundraising event for the organization with the other being an
auction held at The Pavilion at Arrowhead Stadium in October.

Todd Harrison and Neil Atha enjoy the day.

News Anchor/Reporter Katie Ferrell with Fox 4 Kansas City
prepares to interview Todd Harrison for the Fox 4 morning show.

Ferrell speaks with Harrison about Crime Stoppers
and the 18th Annual Golf Classic. The live remote aired
the morning of August 20th.

Watch the Channel 4 live broadcast with Todd Harrison and Katie Ferrel here:

Kansas Pulls out a Win in 2012 Rivalry Run

Last Saturday, August 18, 2012, Kansas pulled out a win at the 3rd annual Rivalry Run, a 5k race between Kansas and Missouri participants. It could have been the visit from Baby Jay in morning which helped motivate the Kansas runners as they ended with 663 to Missouri's 632.

The Rivalry Run, the main fundraising event for the not-for-profit organization Domestic Violence Protection Services Agency (DVPSA), saw over 900 participants this year as the "border war" with Kansas versus Missouri came together to "run off domestic violence."

The runners start out to run the 3.1 mile course
in Downtown Kansas City. All proceeds go to the DVPSA.

The DVPSA is a not-for-profit agency "founded with the idea that battered women need more than a protection order to ensure their safety." The agency assists in protecting families with providing trained, off-duty law enforcement to evaluate the situation and provide protection, as well as a home security system to help protect against unauthorized entry into the home.

Atronic Alarms was one of the sponsors of the event for the 2nd year in a row.

For more information or to participate in 2013, visit the Rivalry Run's website or check out the DVPSA online. 

"Summer Programs" of Security Companies Result in Confusion

Summer is the time of year where the door-to-door, high pressured sales people start making their rounds in neighborhoods. Some companies in the security industry will hire young, fast talking kids who infer they are representing your existing alarm provider and that they are there to upgrade your system for "free." They may even go as far as saying their company has "bought out" your current alarm company.

 

If someone like this shows up at your doorstep, do not be pressured into signing any paperwork (which is a long-term monitoring contract) and contact your alarm company immediately.

 

Several of our clients have called us as a result of these "summer programs." Atronic Alarms will never send service or sales consultants to your home or business without a scheduled appointment.We do not require you to sign any long-term monitoring contracts and we will never pressure you to "upgrade" your system.

To read more about how to protect yourself from door-to-door scammers, visit this past post.

Atronic Alarms Marks 30th Anniversary as Leading Security Systems Provider

LENEXA, KANSAS—April 24, 2012—Atronic Alarms, Inc., one of the leading security, fire and home automation systems providers in Kansas, has marked its 30th year in business.

Founded in 1982 by Perry D. Atha, a fourth-generation Kansas City resident, the company has grown from a small local alarm provider to one of the largest security integrators in the region, employing 31 staffers and serving thousands of commercial and residential customers.

“This incredible milestone never could have been realized without the dedication of our amazing employees,” Mr. Atha said. “Their hard work and professionalism have helped us grow into one of the most respected and forward-thinking companies in the industry.”

Looking ahead, Mr. Atha sees a variety of opportunities for the company he began three decades ago. “While the struggling economy has created challenges for us in the consumer market, we have offset that through increased demand for our customized commercial solutions, such as utilizing video analytics to monitor power stations, indoor retail spaces and outdoor equipment lots.”

He notes that Atronic is at the forefront of the implementation of fully integrated, applications that allow clients to remotely manage their systems through their mobile phones, tablets and desktop computers.

Atronic Alarms is the recipient of numerous industry awards, including a 2004 “Dealer of the Year” award by SDM Magazine, as well as a 2010 “Best Companies to Work For” by Ingram’s magazine. The company also has been recognized for its assistance in protecting abuse victims through its work with the non-profit Kansas City Domestic Violence Protection Services Agency.

“We look forward to many more decades of serving our community, protecting our clients and fostering a great work environment for our employees,” Atha said.

Meet Four New Representatives of Atronic Alarms

Atronic Alarms is proud to introduce four new employees who have joined the family this year.

Collett Albright

Collett Albright joined the company with over 30 years of experience in the security industry and works with clients to set up their monitoring service. 

"I knew there were good people at Atronic who cared about quality and customer service. Those qualities are important to me," she said.

She replaced Chrissy Wyble, who worked as the company's monitoring coordinator for the past seven years and who chose a new career closer to her home.

Jane McIntyre

Jane McIntyre recently moved into the accounting department to work with invoicing, billing and other records. Native of Kentucky, she has lived in Kansas City for 18 years.

"What attracted me to Atronic was definitely the people. They genuinely care and strive to provide exceptional customer service," she said.

Jane brings over 14 years of management experience to Atronic Alarms.

Jim Smith

Jim Smith was hired to assist in the service department and brings 12 years of industry experience to the company. He says he "loves his job" and looks forward to being a part of a company who treats you like a person and not just a number.

"I was searching for a company that was well established and growing. I am happy to have found a company that actually provides exceptional customer service and treats its employees well," Jim said.

Ryan Elder

Ryan Elder joined the installation department and holds certifications from Wichita Technical Institute in Networks+ and A+. His hobbies include ninja training and video gaming when he isn't buried "in Legos, baby dolls or laundry."

"I was drawn to Atronic because they value their employees as much as their customers," he said.

Useful Items for Spring's Volatile Weather

Every spring season we remind people about water detectors that can be added to an existing alarm system to protect basements or other areas against water damage. These waterbugs can be set up near a sump pump and alert the monitoring station if they detect water.

Usually when the snows are melting and the spring rains set in, basements, wine cellars or other low lying areas are prone to flooding. Over the years water bugs have saved our clients thousands of dollars in water damage, and in some cases insurance companies will offer discounts if this device is part of your monitored security system.

And here's the good news: Your monitoring with Atronic Alarms will not increase.

Another item we thought was interesting to note can help relay information to you during a tornado warning or other violent storm. Rick Zink, one of the commercial design consultants at Atronic Alarms, said that last year his daughter huddled in a stairway with other coworkers when the tornado warning sirens went off in Overland Park. They sat in the stairwell for a very long time, not knowing when it was safe to come out. After that, Rick took it upon himself to find a radio App for cell phones that would broadcast local information. He choose TuneIn Radio Pro which can be downloaded to your iPhone, iPod or iPad as can also be found on the Android Market. He said that with the TuneIn Radio App you can listen to any station in the world.

Atronic Alarms can also provide tornado warning security applications for commercial buildings by installing a mushroom button (not mushroom cloud) near the reception area that, when pushed, will sound a siren with a recorded message alerting people in the building to head to safety.